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Hajj: NAHCON assures of timely airlift of Nigeria pilgrims

By Murtala Adewale, Kano
10 June 2023   |   6:36 am
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured that pilgrims’ airlift to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj would be completed before June 20, 2023. Besides, the commission also allayed fear on the perceived technical hitches in the issuance of pilgrims' visas, saying there should not be any cause for alarm.…

Pilgrims on their way to Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured that pilgrims’ airlift to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj would be completed before June 20, 2023.

Besides, the commission also allayed fear on the perceived technical hitches in the issuance of pilgrims’ visas, saying there should not be any cause for alarm.

Deputy Director, Information and Publication, Mousa Ubandawaki, gave the assurance in a statement yesterday.

Ubandawaki disclosed that so far, over 35,000 Nigerians had been airlifted to the Holy Land since the commencement of the operation, adding that arrangement with the airlines to convey the remaining pilgrims in the next 10 day was intact.

On the perceived delay in the process of pilgrims’ visa, the NAHCON spokesperson, who admitted that there were technical hiccups, however, contended that all the issues had been resolved.

He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a news story in the Leadership newspaper of Friday, 9th June to the effect that over 45,000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s Hajj. This is as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“This report is not only misleading but mischievous aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general. Truly, there was a technical problem relating to visa processing, but it has been resolved at the moment.

“Visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues. It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas have been processed so far for Nigerian pilgrims.

“Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between yesterday and today while the remainder will be processed by tomorrow. Despite the hiccup, the Commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before the 20th of this month.”

He added: “As a matter of fact, all the states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement. Moreover, considering our resolve to airlift all our pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat and the need to synchronise the airlift with the available accommodation in the city and not to overcrowd the place, the commission was cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.

“We want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.

“We therefore urge the public and the pilgrims to disregard the news report which is meant to cause disaffection, panic and anxiety among Nigerians. We want to reiterate our commitment to airlift every eligible Nigerian pilgrim to the Holy Land not only in good time but also in comfort and best welfare service.”

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